Staffing may be short at Huntsman Mental Health Institute; expert says reach out anyways if you need help
Jun 2, 2022, 7:00 AM
Exterior of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute on the campus of the University of Utah. Photo credit: Huntsman Mental Health Institute
SALT LAKE CITY — What if you or a family member ever needed inpatient care for a mental health crisis?
KSL NewsRadio reached out to the Huntsman Mental Health Institute to learn more about their capacity. Business Operations Manager Anne Stephens says just like every other business, the Huntsman Mental Health Institute needs additional help.
“The biggest barrier is staffing right now,” she said. “That’s had the most dramatic impact on our availability and our ability to support patients coming in the door. COVID is still affecting us, but the vast majority of our challenges in recent months have been really directly to the staffing crisis.”
Mental health assistance
That doesn’t mean you can’t get help, Stephens said. If you are uncertain who to call for help, Stephens says you can still call the Huntsman Mental Health Institute.
“You can talk to a social worker if you call Huntsman Mental Health Institute admissions,” she said. “And you can talk with a social worker directly to determine what your need might be. You can get on the wait list. It may take some time to come in, it really depends on individual need. But certainly, you can go directly there as well.”
Stephens says the main thing is to reach out for help, if you or someone you know are struggling.
“Although our resources are limited,” she said. “There are various different resources and levels of care available for families and individuals, children and youth in need of mental health support. And so, I really would encourage them to reach out to anyone that they trust.”
Mark Jones contributed to this article.
Resources:
If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-TALK) or the Huntsman Mental Health Institute (1-801-583-2500).
Warm Line: 801-857-1055 (local)
833 – SPEAK UT (toll free)
Open 8 am to 11 pm for encouragement, support
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Website: healthcare.utah.edu/hmhi
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